BMI 15.4
BMI 15 to 15.9 is Severely underweight
This BMI score (15.4) can indicate that your weight may be too low. A BMI under 16 puts you in the severely thin category, meaning you are at risk of suffering health effects associated with being severely underweight.
Severely underweight
People with a low Body Mass Index (BMI 15.4) are essentially starving to death by not taking in enough calories to maintain a healthy body weight.
Some of the health problems associated with this condition include increased risk of osteoporosis, anemia from insufficient iron, a weakened immune system and even organ failure and death.
Short-term problems associated with low BMI can include impaired judgment, lethargy and mood swings.
Severely underweight treatment
You should to gain weight, but losing fat is easy when compared to weight gain.
When you are keen on gaining weight, you have to understand the difference between simply piling up fat which is an unhealthy way for weight gain and the healthy way to put on weight.
Choose the right foods
The right foods are those that have a lot of calories, yet also contain plenty of essential nutrients.
Complex carbohydrates are great for you, nuts and certain high-calorie fruits like coconut are also recommended.
Eat whole foods like the above meats, fruits, and veggies to ensure you have enough vitamins and minerals.
Here is a list of the foods that you might like to include:
- Whole Grains
- Brown rice, black rice, and whole wheat are good for you.
- Bagels
- Corn
- Italian food (Pasta).
- Dried Fruits.
- Healthy Oils
- Extra virgin olive oil and extra virgin coconut oil.
- Fruits such as avocado, bananas or coconut.
- Asian food (Noodles).
- Nuts and Seeds
- Granola
- Root Crops
- Potatoes, yam, taro, sweet potato, and cassava.
You have to understand that while you were under-eating, your body perceived that as starvation, so your metabolism slowed down.
In the early stages of recovery from underweight, it is important to increase food intake gradually and be gentle with the body, to avoid fluid retention that can cause discomfort and medical complications.
Once past this phase, your body can actually handle more calories, because your metabolism will start to increase.
Take reinforcements
The bodies of people who are underweight find it hard to absorb nutrients. This is the reason why no matter how much you eat, you find it difficult to gain weight and build muscles.
Food supplements can help the body absorb more nutrients that is present in your diet.
If you want more muscle mass, increase your protein intake. Whey protein is one of the best meal choices for you if you want to look denser and bulkier. However, too much consumption of whey protein is not recommended. One glass a day is ideal. Whey powders acts like a smoothie base and blend well with ingredients like soy milk, yogurt, banana, and even chocolate drink.